cannabisnews.com: Vt. Senate Weighs Industrial Hemp Bill
Vt. Senate Weighs Industrial Hemp Bill
Posted by CN Staff on February 26, 2008 at 16:31:42 PT
By Cyrus Levesque
Source: Addison Independent
Addison County, VT -- The Vermont Senate is considering a bill to legalize industrial hemp for growth and sale in Vermont. Rep. Michael Fisher, D-Lincoln, one of bill H.267’s sponsors in the Vermont House of Representatives, said that hemp could make a new, very versatile crop for Vermont’s agricultural industry.“I’ve been hearing for a long time that this was an important crop for Vermont farmers to grow,” Fisher said.
Hemp can be used for a wide variety of products, including textiles, biodegradable plastics, biofuels and even food. However, it is closely related to cannabis sativa, better known as marijuana. “Law enforcement has said for a long time that they don’t want us to grow hemp because it looks like marijuana,” Fisher said.Industrial hemp produces far too little of the chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to be usable as a drug. Fisher explained that his hemp bill, H.267, includes a number of requirements to ensure that hemp farmers are not growing plants high in THC. A farmer applying for a permit would have to go through a background check, get fingerprinted, report the exact area and location where hemp would be grown, keep production and sales records for at least three years, and more.The bill overwhelmingly passed the Vermont House, 126-9, on Feb. 7. All area House members voted in favor of the bill. It is now in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, and Sen. Harold Giard, D-Addison County and Brandon, was optimistic about the bill passing the Senate as well, though no date for a vote on it has been set. Gov. Douglas could not be reached for comment, but his spokesman, Jason Gibbs, said that Douglas did not think the issue was very important. “The governor doesn’t view this bill as a priority, particularly because the federal government continues to prohibit industrial hemp cultivation,” Gibbs wrote in an e-mail. “He would much rather see the Legislature spend its time considering the economic development, health care, housing and property tax and middle income property tax relief packages he has proposed.”However, Rep. Will Stevens, I-Shoreham, said that hemp could be a profitable crop thus helping Vermont’s economy and struggling agricultural sector. “In this day and age when we’re looking for as many tools for the farmer’s toolbox, this is one that we might as well get in line for,” he said.Giard agreed. “I don’t see any reason to veto this, I really don’t,” he said. “You can’t smoke this stuff, and it’s another crop for agriculture.”The House Agriculture committee reported on the many possible uses for industrial hemp:• Seeds and oil produced from the seeds have high nutritional value, including healthy fats and protein, and could be used as food.• As a fiber crop, industrial hemp can be used in making clothing, building supplies and animal bedding.• As a renewable energy source, industrial hemp seeds can be processed into biodiesel, and stalks can be pelletized or flaked for burning or processed for cellulosic ethanol. Netaka White, executive director of the Vermont Biofuels Association, said that recent studies have shown that hemp produces as much biomass for fuel production as switchgrass, a prairie grass believed to hold promise for use as fuel.Building infrastructure to take advantage of these possible uses of hemp could result in increased business opportunities and new jobs in Vermont, legislators report.The committee also said that farmers in Canada report an $800 per acre return when planting industrial hemp.Similar bills have been proposed several times in recent years but failed to pass, according White, but the political climate has probably grown more favorable to the idea. “Our need for products from industrial hemp has increased,” White said.Several other states have also passed industrial hemp legalization laws of their own in recent years. The United States is one of the few country in the developed world with such a ban, Giard said.Stevens pointed out that last year North Dakota passed a bill similar to H.267. He said the Vermont Legislature hopes that the trend of states legalizing the product might lead to change in federal policy. “If and when this changes at the federal level, Vermont will be prepared,” Stevens said. “If enough states pass legislation like this, pressure may be brought to bear on the federal government.” Source: Addison Independent (Middlebury, VT)Author: Cyrus LevesquePublished: February 25, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Addison County IndependentContact: news addisonindependent.comWebsite: http://www.addisonindependent.com/Related Articles: House Backs Plan To Spur Vt. Hemp Industryhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23666.shtmlVt. House OKs Hemp Farming Billhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23650.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #34 posted by potpal on February 28, 2008 at 05:38:53 PT
let it grow
It's also called cannabis, hemp, pot...http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/02/27/dnt.pot.college.ktvu ot
http://www.savetheinternet.com/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #33 posted by potpal on February 28, 2008 at 05:37:39 PT
let it grow
It's also called cannabis, hemp, pot...http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/02/27/dnt.pot.college.ktvu
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #32 posted by Mike on February 27, 2008 at 12:32:12 PT
William F. Buckley Jr. on Marijuana (2004)
http://www.nationalreview.com/buckley/buckley200406291207.asp
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #31 posted by dankhank on February 27, 2008 at 12:17:13 PT
hempmilk
is fantastic ...Got some chocolate while in Montana last summer at a killer health store. they had HempNuts, too.Two 7-year old girls drank the "chocolate milk" and Loved it, not knowing how different the milk ... or how beneficial.ya'll gotta try it ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #30 posted by Dankhank on February 27, 2008 at 12:12:52 PT
thanx
I guess when I googled I put too many terms in.will try ondcp gaothanx again, all ...peace ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #29 posted by josephlacerenza on February 27, 2008 at 12:06:16 PT
Hemp for me Hemp for you
The amount of THC present on the seeds/nut of the cannabis plant after harvest is at theraputic levels. One could gleen some of the same benefits, such as supresing tumor growth. You may not get high, but you can still benefit your health. Remember, this small amount of THC is what the DEA keeps bitching about.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #28 posted by afterburner on February 27, 2008 at 11:42:15 PT
Cannabis & Hemp in Good Company
Other herbs that enhance health and some Big Pharma shockers:Psych Drug Shocker: Antidepressant Drugs Work No Better than Placebo; Big Pharma Hoax Finally Exposed
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by: Mike Adams
http://www.naturalnews.com/022723.htmlU.S. Supreme Court Poised to Strip Consumers of Right to Sue over Deadly Pharmaceuticals
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by: Mike Adams
http://www.naturalnews.com/022722.htmlStatin Drugs for Prevent Alzheimer’s? Forget About It
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by: Sherry Baker
http://www.naturalnews.com/022726.htmlIP6 - A Rising Star in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by: Barbara L. Minton
http://www.naturalnews.com/022731.html
Excerpt: {
(NaturalNews) Three recent studies have confirmed the role of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) in cancer prevention and control of experimental tumor growth. IP6 is a naturally occurring carbohydrate first identified in 1855. It can exist on its own or can be bound to various other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron or sodium. It's found in substantial amounts in whole grains, dried beans, nuts, seeds, rice, wheat germ and corn.In addition to being found in plants, IP6 is contained within almost all mammalian cells, where it is important in regulating vital cellular functions such as signal transduction, cell proliferation, and differentiation. IP6 is also available in supplement form. ...In Dr. A.M. Shamsuddin's review of findings in Nutrition and Cancer vol. 55, he states that in addition to its role in cancer prevention and control of experimental tumor growth, progression and metastasis, IP6 possesses other significant benefits, such as the ability to enhance the immune system, function as a natural antioxidant, prevent calcification and kidney stone formation, lower elevated serum cholesterol, and reduce pathological platelet activity.
}Research Shows an Indian Herb May Prevent Liver Cancer
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by: Sherry Baker
http://www.naturalnews.com/022730.htmlScientific Evidence Proves Significant Anti-Cancer Effect of Milk Thistle
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by: Leslee Dru Browning
http://www.naturalnews.com/022724.htmlPlants as food and medicinal herbs, you say? Outstanding! When will the US Government stop their violent attack on the plant kingdom and those who enjoy plants' life giving properties? When?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #27 posted by FoM on February 27, 2008 at 10:09:56 PT
runruff
That looks so good. The times they are a changin' I think this time for the better. Little by little we chip away at the prohibitionists talking points.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #26 posted by runruff on February 27, 2008 at 09:50:58 PT:
Here, have a look.
It is a really nice website!http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ExecMacro/livingharvest/home.d2w/report
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #25 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:46:08 PT
Hmmmmm?
And it's prohibited, VIOLENTLY PROHIBITED, to the people to be able to grow this plant?Hmmm?Indeed.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #24 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:43:04 PT
A plant that produces seeds that ARE vitamins and
minerals that are essential to human life. In natural form. Produced by a relatively hardy plant. Hmmmm."Per serving, 900 mg Omega-3, 2,800mg Omega-6 with GLA, All 10 EssentialAmino Acids, Vitamins A,B12,D,E Ribolavin and folic acid, Magnesium,Potassium,Phosphorus,iron and zinc,46% of RDA of calcium, 4% fiber."
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #23 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:37:36 PT
Runruff...
That sounds wonderful!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #22 posted by runruff on February 27, 2008 at 09:32:50 PT:
Hempmilk, Yummmmm!
I first dicovered hemp milk and hemp ice cream back in 1994.I bought 50 lbs of hemp seed from china and made some. This was not to great because the seed had an antimold tteatment and had been presteamed so they couln't be sprouted. This was a precaution imposed by the DEA stupid heads. The seeds were so messed by the time I got them I couldn't do much with them.Yesterday my wife and I were shopping at the local market and right there on the shel prominately displayed was Living Harvest[tm] Hempmilk. We bought some vanilla and some chocolate. I'm having right now in my coffee. It mixes perfect. this stuff tast great. Delicious! Per serving, 900 mg Omega-3, 2,800mg Omega-6 with GLA, All 10 EssentialAmino Acids, Vitamins A,B12,D,E Ribolavin and folic acid, Magnesium,Potassium,Phosphorus,iron and zinc,46% of RDA of calcium, 4% fiber.Their contact number is 1-888-690-3958or-Livingharvest.comThis has all the ingredients prescribed by my heart doctor plus much much more plus it is creamy and delicious.Enjoy!Namaste
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #21 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:23:31 PT
Dankhank. Good piece about ONDCP and GAO
http://stopthedrugwar.org/speakeasy_main/2006/aug/28/ondcp_ads_condemned_by_gao_soude
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #20 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:20:18 PT
John Morgan and Bill Buckley...
leaving us so close together. I'm really sad.The first time I ever saw John Morgan was on Bill Buckley's TV show... years and years and years ago.They were brave soldiers for truth and our cause. Both of them. They were both, definitely, part of the Storm Crew. A precious, early, foundational, and brave part.A salute to you both, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Buckley, and your memory.I thank God for both of them and the good they did.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #19 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:14:52 PT
Oh no.
William F. Buckley.I really liked him.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 27, 2008 at 09:11:53 PT
Off Topic: William Buckley RIP
http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=410846
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:10:12 PT
Comment 14
Nice work if you can get it.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:09:24 PT
Dankhank
Google ONDCP GAOGot lots of stuff... that was probably the first that wasn't an outright government site.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by Hope on February 27, 2008 at 09:08:12 PT
Dankhank
http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2004/gao-finds-ondcp-marijuana.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 27, 2008 at 08:15:01 PT
Washington Post Blog Article
BBC Reporter Smokes Marijuana to Enhance Storyhttp://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2008/02/bbc_reporter_smokes_marijuana.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by tintala on February 27, 2008 at 08:08:17 PT:
WE NEED HEMP AS A ROTATION CROP!!!!
As a farmer AND mmj patient, WE NEED HEMP for a good rotation crop! I have a farm is in Ks , but I dont live there ... but I can tell you i would be farming hemp this year if it was legislated.. i have farmed wheat, and milo for 30 years and it always makes the soil depleted. NOw i have organic soil and would like to farm organic hemp, there are waaay tooo many uses for it, for one thing I would love to have hemp carpet in my house and paint with hemp based paint..i would love to have a hemp house!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by Dankhank on February 27, 2008 at 08:08:17 PT
looking for ...
the story "GAO says government may lie in drug war"has it disappeared? did it exist?or am I too medicated to find it?it applies to miss Tina as well ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by FoM on February 27, 2008 at 06:27:14 PT
afterburner
What they are doing to the mountains in West Virginia is sad. Luckily we are different here and care about the environment and we don't have the big mountains that they have.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by Had Enough on February 27, 2008 at 06:16:46 PT
Comment 9
Tina sure did get her butt chewed on in that comment section you referred to.Thanks
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by The GCW on February 27, 2008 at 05:09:26 PT
Here's a special LTE,
Author: Tina Gummerson
The down side to medical marijuanaI work under a state/federal drug prevention grant in Knox and surrounding counties, and I have been deliberating for days on what my response should be to recent pro marijuana letters. I know others will be writing with some other facts so I would like to address the issue of smoked marijuana as a medicine and the propaganda that is being spread throughout our community. Too often trickery is used in this campaign to legalize marijuana for the “sick.” I sympathize with the plight of sick people all over the world. I personally helped care for my grandmother who died, at home, of colon cancer. I understand the pain and suffering that goes along with a terminal illness. I also know that there were legal medications that kept her as “comfortable” as any drug could have. I also have access to a few other facts that pro marijuana organizations don’t always tell you about.Smoked marijuana actually weakens your immune system. So it might work great on your nausea or increase your appetite, but it is also going to put you at higher risk for infections. It will also impair your vision, memory, coordination and any semblance of free will you might have had left. Marijuana is a highly addictive drug; 40 percent of teenagers and 24 percent of adults in drug treatment in Illinois are in treatment for marijuana addiction. So if you survive cancer then you have to go through drug treatment to get your life back.The Institute of Medicine released a study reviewing the medical properties of smoked marijuana. It concluded that “there is little future in smoked marijuana as a medically approved medication.” Here are some other organizations that do not believe smoked marijuana is any kind of medicine: The American Medical Association, The American Cancer Society, The American Academy of Pediatrics and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There is evidence that chemicals in the cannabis plant CAN and DO have medical value. There are medications, currently approved by the FDA, made from the active chemicals in marijuana that are used to safely and effectively treat AIDS and cancer patients. In conclusion, this preventionist believes calling smoked marijuana medicine is like calling mold (from which penicillin is made) medicine; I wouldn’t advise eating moldy bread to cure a sore throat. I’d love to give more facts but only have 400 words. Look for more to come. — Tina Gummerson, GalesburgWebpage: http://www.galesburg.com/opinions/letters/x565323462Pubdate: 26 Feb. 2008Source: Galesburg Register-Mail (IL)-Note the extent of comments at the end of the LTE on web-page.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by JohnO on February 27, 2008 at 02:00:34 PT:
Paint with Light,
Fair enough. As long as we can think, that's more than can be said of those who oppose us without just cause.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by Paint with light on February 27, 2008 at 01:48:04 PT
JohnO, Let me clarify
Thanks for the comments. I had much the same thoughts echoing in my head as I wrote my words. I agree with your points, and in an ideal world, we would agree completely.The limit on commercial is because I would not like to see three or four companies eventually get in control of all commerce. I agree on wanting the free market to be the final determinate on the number of producers. The worst case would be all product produced by, sold by, and profited by, uncle sam.From what I understand only certain fragile isomers have a short shelf life. Maybe a lot of medical uses are also time sensitive. A lot depends on storage. In the past when I was younger and braver and was a producer rather than a consumer, I had a lot of varieties that seemed pretty good over a year after harvest. Several useful compounds and a lot of the fiber products have a fairly long working time. Afganistan's main product lasts a very long time but it is a funtion of concentration and lack of air exposure that is the probable explanation.I am only trying to make sure that if a small farmer or an individual wants to try and develop a unique genetic product, that there is room in the market place for them.In an ideal world I agree that personal freedom is nobody's business but ours. I actually think that goes for anything you want to put in your body. Some substances may need more control than others because of side affects such as addiction.The government should let your body be yours.I was just trying to address the problem under the heading of tax relief. The monies collected from commercial sales and the savings in criminal justice expenses could go a long way towards some serious tax relief. Also, I am for a permit on the lines of $10.00 to 25.00 a year. I am only trying to approach this in a way that is politically feasible. I also said permit instead of license which may only be semantics, but I meant to imply something more relaxed than something like a driver's license. Even though I would swap the present situation for even a restrictive license as long as cannabis is legalized.The gov'ment is going to want their part. I am just trying to think of an acceptable way. I am afraid in the short term we may have to be more practical than we both want.If I could buy freedom for ten dollars a year, I sure would.Thanks for helping me work my brain.Equal with alcohol is all I ask.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by JohnO on February 26, 2008 at 23:42:44 PT:
Paint with light.
Some good ideas! I do take issue with the last two items, I believe the free market should determine the number of commercial producers, there is enough variety in cannabis strains for small producers to compete in local markets by virtue of their own individual merits. Large producers cannot sell a product that is over produced, limited shelf life will dictate the number of tons that can be produced for available buyers, and thereby regulate the number of commercial producers. And the second is an issue of personal freedom, I do not want government telling me I must have a licence to grow cannabis for myself and my family anymore than I would for tomatoes or cabbage. Just my own opinions, JohnO
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by Paint with light on February 26, 2008 at 22:53:18 PT
The governor is wrong and right at the same time
He is wrong because he doesn't see cannabis as the solution but as a problem.He is right because the legislature should spend its time on:-economic development,So stop throwing money away on a war on cannabis and use it in economic development.Develop the whole cannabis plant to produce a legal economy.Bring back and lift up the skilled and talented workers that would now rather work free than to pee.Stop losing some our best and brightest to the legal system.-healthcareAs the nation moves from an alcohol based relaxant economy to a cannabis based one, there will be decreases in prescription drug and alcohol based illnesses and deaths.Marijuana is medicine discovered and undiscovered.-tax relief,Legalize, tax, and control commercial uses. Limit commercial producers in quantity to stimulate more producers. Personal use growth permitted by once a year inexpensive permit.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by afterburner on February 26, 2008 at 22:50:57 PT
Free the Hemp: We Need the Fuel
Or we can continue to destroy the planet by carbon-based exploitation:Coal mining ravages Appalachia mountains.
Feb 23, 2008 04:30 AM.
Catherine Porter,
Environment Reporter
http://www.thestar.com/article/306165 Video: Mountaintop removal mining "They're ripping the tops off mountains in West Virginia coal country to feed our insatiable appetite for power. It's cheaper that way. And the trees and the animals and the flooding? It may not be pretty, but we've got all those dishwashers to run" Shocking! FoM, I hope this disastrous technique doesn't come to your neck of the woods.Like the environmentalists of West Virginia, who hope for a change of government which will honor people's health, we continue to work for change. Vote if you believe the zeitgeist can change our reality for the better.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by JohnO on February 26, 2008 at 20:52:32 PT:
More doubletalk from an elected servant
**Gov. Douglas could not be reached for comment, but his spokesman, Jason Gibbs, said that Douglas did not think the issue was very important.** Question; Why do governors cow to the Federal Government on issues that are important to those who live in their States? Answer: They are spineless and ignorant buffoons, unworthy of that which they desire most, recognition as great men, and reelection. If Governor Douglas aspires to greatness, (as I suspect all Governors do) he would support this bill and sign it into law. Moreover he would close the doors to Federal challenges and interference in State affairs. By his own admission he is interested in economic development. **Gibbs wrote in an e-mail. “He would much rather see the Legislature spend its time considering the economic development, health care, housing and property tax and middle income property tax relief packages he has proposed.”** Just what part of commerce does he not understand, the part where hemp farmers get to sell a valuable and desirable product, subject to normal taxation for the benefit of the citizen's health, welfare and prosperity? A veto on this bill would be typical, but ill advised for any Governor. It would show his lack of intelligence, lack of vision, and lack of spine. Waiting to be properly represented at the State house, JohnO
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by HempWorld on February 26, 2008 at 17:33:53 PT
I'm sure Gov. Douglas got a little phone call
summoning him to kill it (the legislation) if he wants to have any political future at all. This is the same thing that happened to Schwarzenegger and every other (Republican) Governor.Hey Hemp is great and it could solve many of our problems but the inner circle of the US Fed. Govt. will NEVER allow it. They would NEVER allow a true democracy where hemp would be allowed or even discussed.Fascism at it's finest!
On a mission from God!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on February 26, 2008 at 17:00:54 PT
Gov. Douglas
Gov. Douglas could not be reached for comment, but his spokesman, Jason Gibbs, said that Douglas did not think the issue was very important.“The governor doesn’t view this bill as a priority, particularly because the federal government continues to prohibit industrial hemp cultivation,” Gibbs wrote in an e-mail. “He would much rather see the Legislature spend its time considering the economic development, health care, housing and property tax and middle income property tax relief packages he has proposed.”Looks to me like the Legislature has already spent the time on this issue and approved it. Gov. Douglas is wasting their time by ignoring it.
[ Post Comment ]
Post Comment